How to select your IVF specialist

By Dr. Shweta Goswami

Searching foran IVF specialist is such a big task as there are numerous IVF doctors availainle across the world. Also, not to mention discussing an issue like infertility which is quite a social taboo even in this day and age is also such a big question itself. Today, as an infertility expert let me help you out explaining about the traits one should look out for in an IVF specialist.

Let us consider below points while selecting your IVF Expert:

1. An IVF Expert should answers all your questions and doesn’t dismiss them as being trivial. Believes the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask. Responds to your email (usually within 24 hours) and doesn’t force you to come in for every little problem.

2. An IVF Expert should be fully staffed, with a full-time experienced embryologist, so he/she does not have to depend upon external experts.

3. An IVF Expert must respect you and treats you like an intelligent adult. He/She should not talk down to you and does his/her best to educate you, so you have realistic expectations of your IVF treatment.

4. An IVF Expert must be open and transparent and provides clear documentation of all your IVF treatment, including photos of your embryos.

5. An IVF Expert must clear about the costs incurred for the treatment and provides a receipt for 100% of your payments.

6. An IVF Expert must has a high success rate because the lab and

Trying to have a baby but unsuccessful? What’s your next step should be?

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

I have seen many cases in my career as an IVF Expert where over 10% of reproductive-age couples are unable to conceive even after a year of trying. There are many possible reasons for this, including issues with the male’s sperm, the woman’s ovulation, hormonal issues; from being very underweight or very overweight, or from thyroid, cervical or uterine problems, or blocked fallopian tubes. 

What to do if unsuccessful.? 

The first step to identify possible issues contributing to a couple’s inability to conceive. Both man and her woman should undergo a physical exam depending on the risks identified, further testing is done to specifically identify the limiting conditions. This may include testing to examine the male’s sperm (amount, motility, etc.), evaluation of the female’s anatomy (for example a hysterosalpingogram, ultrasound, and/or other tests) and evaluation of the women’s ability to ovulate (possibly including hormonal testing and/or other tests). 

In fact out of 100% nearly 30% of all infertility cases, the cause is attributed to a problem in the male, 30% of cases, the cause is attributed in female and 30% to both male and female factors and rest 10% is unknown. 

The main cause of infertility is the 

• abnormalities in sperm of males which includes low sperm production or immobile sperm. 
• tubal issues in the woman account for another third, ovulation issues for about 15 percent, and
• other issues or no explanation identified in the rest. 

What treatment to go for when the cause is identified? 

Once a cause is identified, a specific care plan can be developed. This may include treatment for the male partner (or even consideration of using sperm donation), medical treatment of the woman to help increase ovulation (including weight

Breastfeeding benefits for you and your baby

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Breastfeeding comes naturally when you become a mother and it’s an amazing experience. To be able to produce more milk and to satisfy the hunger of your baby please make sure you should increase your fluids intake. If you stay hydrated more milk will be produced and it will help you feel energetic the whole day too. 

Now, let’s discuss the benefits of breastfeeding. First of all your breast milk is the best possible food for your baby and will give her the best start in life. It provides the required nutrition as well as immunity for your baby. 

Breastfeeding helps you lose weight too: 

Besides giving your baby nourishment and helping to keep your baby from becoming sick, breastfeeding may help you lose weight. Many women who breastfed their babies said it helped them get back to their pre-pregnancy weight more quickly, but experts are still looking at the effects of breastfeeding on weight loss 

Breastfeeding gives life to you and your baby: 

• Right nutrients and right balance: Breast milk has the right proportions of proteins, carbohydrates, fats and other nutrients your baby needs to grow and develop. 
• Easy to digest:  Unlike proteins found in regular cow’s milk, the proteins in breast milk are naturally gentle and easy to digest. 
• Builds tolerance power:  it helps protect your baby against early food allergies, protein intolerance and sensitivity. 
• Offers protection: it provides natural protective antibodies and other immune-related benefits; protects babies from infections and illnesses that

5 things that can affect your fertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Many a times we didn’t realize that there are very basic things that causes hindrance in getting pregnant. Let’s get to know what are all these factors that can affect one’s fertility 

1.     Being obese   

Women who are overweight or obese have less chance overall of getting pregnant than women of a healthy weight (with ‘healthy’ defined as having a body mass index – or BMI – of between 20 and 25). Overweight and obese women are also more likely to take longer than a year to conceive. Being obese (BMI of more than 30) can cause pregnancy and birth complications, such as hypertension and pre-eclampsia. 

Overweight and obese men have worse sperm quality than men of healthy weight. Being overweight or obese can also cause hormonal changes that reduce fertility and make men less interested in sex. Men who are very overweight are also more likely to have problems getting an erection. 

Being overweight or obese in pregnancy also has implications for your baby’s health later on, as children born to overweight or obese mothers are more likely to become obese children and adults – with associated health problems (including fertility issues). 

The good news is that if you’re overweight or obese and planning to try for a baby, losing even a few kilos can increase your chances of getting pregnant. 

2.     Drinking too much caffeine  

Although there is not absolute evidence to suggest caffeine having a negative effect on your fertility, studies are constantly indicating that it can disrupt ovulation and hormone levels, as well as the efficiency of the fallopian tubes. 

3.     Alcohol and Smoking  

Everybody knows that smoking and drink alcohol are big NOs when pregnant but did you also know that excessive alcohol consumption over long periods of time and constant inhalation of cigarette fumes can affect your future fertility; Smoking can affect your hormone production and the environment in the uterus. It can also

What you should know about Ovarian Cancer?

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Ovarian cancer - the cancer of ovaries has been known as a ‘silent killer' in the past because it's hard to diagnose. 

Its symptoms are:

• persistent tummy or pelvic pain  
• increased tummy size or persistent bloating – not bloating that comes and goes 
• Difficulty eating and feeling full quickly.  

Some women may also experience other symptoms like: 

•  the need to wee more frequently,  
• changes in bowel habit,  
• extreme fatigue or pain.  

If you have these symptoms more than 12 times in a month, you should seriously consider going to see your doctor. 

According to the American Cancer Society about 1 in 75 women will get ovarian cancer in her lifetime, but young women are rarely affected. The risk escalates starting at age 63, 

Diagnosis of Ovarian cancer: 

It is often diagnosed at a late stage. Ovarian cancer is frequently diagnosed when the cancer is already at an advanced stage and women often delay seeking help. This may be because the woman thinks her symptoms are due to menopause or confused with other common stomach and digestive complaints. Doctors also often initially suspect less serious

How to change your diet and exercise routine if you have PCOS

By Shweta Goswami 

PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome as we all know is one of the most common hormonal disorders for women. But when you've been diagnosed with it, no matter how severe your symptoms are, from excess hair to spots, irregular or absent periods and weight gain, it can be really hard to know what to do next. Firstly, it's important to remember that although PCOS is related to our hormone levels, and insulin production, it's not your 'fault' if you have it. The symptoms can sometimes, however, be managed and hopefully, improved through diet and exercise. 

1. If you are overweight (with a BMI of over 25) even a small reduction in weight can significantly improve symptoms, including a low mood or depression.  

2. Keep your sugar controlled; as you can't handle high sugar levels in PCOS. So, your diet is a chance to really change things and this can also help you in future too, during pre-menopause and before and during pregnancy. By keeping your weight stable, your pregnancy is likely to be more straightforward health wise.  

Here I have listed out few important Do’s to do if you have PCOS: 

1. Focus on nutrition, not diet 

Eat clean. Have lots of leafy green vegetables, blueberries, pineapples and a focus on whole foods and sources of protein like fish, eggs and chicken breast, and good fats like nuts and avocado. Also add spices like turmeric, cinnamon, fenugreek, and ginger, that are anti-inflammatory and believed to help with insulin resistance. 

2. Cut out processed foods 

It simply means swapping fruit drinks and smoothies for whole fruit, because they contain more fibre, which is vital for a healthy gut. Fruits low in fructose are best, like grapefruits, lime, lemon, raspberries, blackberries and strawberries. 

3. Try and balance your blood sugar throughout the day 

Start with breakfast. Don't leave home with an empty stomach and then grab a sandwich at 12 or simply a big aaple. Just make sure

Prepare yourself for IVF Treatment

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Before the beginning of IVF treatment everyone has this question in mind; how do I prepare myself for this? So, here is your answer. Today in this blog I will mention few tips on how to prepare oneself for the IVF treatment. 

1. First of all start an exercise routine as exercising and remaining active is not just good for fertility health but also for the overall body. It opens up the muscles and makes them flexible. Furthermore, it regulates blood flow

 in the body. This makes the body much more responsive to medications given during the treatment. 

2. You can also try your hand at Yoga. It may sound same like exercise for some people but yoga is much more than just something that improves the flexibility and stamina of the body. It calms the mind and creates an emotional balance amongst the people who do it. It harmonizes the whole body and lots regular practice prevents the person from the maximum amounts of diseases also, it also strengthens the immunity system. 

3. Eat a good fertility diet. What you eat is directly affects your overall wellbeing. It is very important for a woman to eat a healthy holistic diet to enhance the fertility. For example - Vitamin C is very important to women undergoing IVF as

When to go for fertility treatment?

By Dr. Shweta Goswami   

Infertility or unable to conceive is a common problem in today’s modernized society. Today, fertility treatment is a gift of modern science which has helped millions of couples across the globe to conceive.   

Often the question arises when should we seek for fertility treatment? Consider following points if:   

• You haven’t conceived even after having one-year of regular unprotected sex, see a fertility specialist  
• You are under 35 who find it difficult getting pregnant after having regular unprotected intercourse for a year must seek medical help.   
• You are over 35 and having difficulty conceiving after having six months of regular unprotected sex must opt for fertility treatments.   
• You are having irregular menstrual and ovulation patterns poses a high risk for infertility. If you are going through these issues, then it is highly recommended to see a fertility specialist to increase your chances of getting pregnant.  
• Either of the partners has been

Let’s talk about myths and facts about infertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

There are many myths associated with infertility and IVF treatment. Today let’s burst some myths and consider facts about it. 

Myth No.1: Infertility is a psychological problem, not a physical one! 

Fact: Friends and family may suggest that infertility is due to you being under stress or due to worrying too much. While infertility is usually a condition of the reproductive system, in 30% of cases the cause is unexplained. Stress in any situation is never good for your health and studies indicate that time to achieve pregnancy can be reduced and success rates for achieving pregnancy increased by cutting down on stress. Start relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation for about 10-20 minutes a day, which can relieve your stress and improve your overall well-being. 

Myth No. 2: A woman can get pregnant only on a single day of her menstrual cycle. 

Fact: The fertile window is the six-days that end on the day of ovulation. Pregnancy is most likely to occur with intercourse within the three days before ovulation. Keep track of ovulation with the calendar method (ovulation occurs around 14 days before the menstrual period is due) or by using an ovulation predictor kit. Frequent sex boosts your chances of conceiving. It’s important to have a happy sex life. Be relaxed and have sex often throughout the month. 

Myth No.3: Infertility treatment is expensive 

Fact: In some cases infertility treatment can be expensive, but in many cases, it is simple, brief and inexpensive.  The sooner patients

Why there is a loss of libido?

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Loss of libido (sex drive) is a common problem that can affect men and women of any age. It is normal for many people to loss sex drive after a certain age especially women. Usually it happens when you attain Peri-menopausal age which is 42 onwards. Usually women feels mood swings, vaginal dryness and pain during intercourse during the peri-menopausal phase i.e before menopause and after the age of 45 and above which is the ideal age of menopause, levels of the female hormone oestrogen begin to fall in their blood, which can affect libido and they loss interest in sex. 

What causes loss of libido: 

1. Physical issues: Physical issues such as low testosterone as they are responsible for building muscles and bone mass and stimulating sperm production. Decreasing testosterone is a normal part of aging. However, a drastic drop in testosterone can lead to decreased libido 

2. Medications: Certain medications can sometimes reduce libido in men: like medication for high blood pressure medications may prevent ejaculation and erections or any other allergy to certain drugs medication for hyperprolactinaemia, a rare disorder in which the gland at the base of the brain is producing too many hormones; anti-androgenic drugs such as

5 Tips to combat male infertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami

By this time we all know that infertility is not only a women problem; men too are equally responsible for being infertile. 4 in 10 men usually have impaired fertility and 40% of all conception problems are down to defective sperm. I have listed out 5 simple measures that can give your sperm a boost: 

1. Keeping your testicles cool: 

It is very important to keep your testicles temperature cool for making the best sperm production. Do not wear too tight pants or underwear and stop placing your laptops on your lap as they can increase scrotal temperature by almost 3 degrees in just 15 minutes.  Place it on a desk instead, or position it on the sofa next to you. 

2.  Omit stress from your life: 

Stress today is very common but it interferes with the sperm-producing hormones. If possible stay away from stress as much as possible.  Practice relaxation techniques and spending time doing the activities which can help you to cope up with stress. 

3. Cut down smoking and limit alcohol consumption: 

Male smokers are 30% more likely to struggle making their wives pregnant. The harmful products of tobacco smoking can kill sperm cells. On the other hand alcohol consumption can reduce libido and affect sperm quality. 

4.  Have sex frequently: 

A young healthy couple only has a 20 – 25% chance of falling pregnant from one sexual encounter. So, the more you do it, the better your chances are. Daily ejaculation also improves the quality of sperm. 

5. Taking supplements and vitamins improves fertility: 

Taking sufficient amount of supplements helps in improving fertility among men. For instance Zinc which is vital to sperm production. Consuming just 15mg per day has been scientifically proven to increase fertility. Sources of zinc are lamb, whole grains, nuts, seafood, peanuts and pumpkin seeds. Also, try to meet your daily allowance of Vitamin C and

Should I travel during my IVF treatment?

Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Many questions keep pondering us during IVF treatment. One of them would be should I travel when my IVF treatment is going on…? Many couples ask me, if they can take vacations and travel before, after, or during treatment. Actually, IVF medications and procedures can interfere dramatically with your day-to-day life. In all honesty, the bottom line is better safe than sorry. 

It would be quite difficult for one to travel during the medication phase of the IVF process. Regardless of your medication schedule, which is likely to be sturdy, you will be seeing your doctor on a regular basis for monitoring appointments that include blood work and ultrasounds. It is likely that you won’t be able to get away during this phase of your treatment. Keep in mind, you also don’t know how your body is going to react to the medications, you might want to be near your doctor just in case you have some bad side effects or concerns. 

The next part of the IVF process includes two procedures; egg retrieval and embryo transfer. You won’t be able to find here to travel at all. Some IVF patients do travel from their home quite some distance to seek treatment in a larger town or city. This type of traveling is okay, as you will need to travel back and forth between your home and treatments. Some doctors do recommend a hotel stay for a night or two immediately following each procedure. 

So you are thinking to yourself, after all that I have gone through I need a little time to get away. Dependent on your doctor, you typically will have bed rest for at least 1 day following your embryo transfer. Some doctors recommend up to 5 days, but the average is typically 2-3 days. Do to your work schedule and or planned vacations, many women wonder if it O.K to proceed with life as normal. Part of the answer is yes, you need to

5 most important things you should know about IVF Treatment

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

As we know infertility means when you are unable to concive naturally despite of one year of trying. As you age your fertility levels will decline plus there are many lifestyle factors that affects your fertility and then you opt for IVF treatment to conceive. So, here are few things that you should know about IVF: 

1. When women's and men’s fertility really starts to drop: 

First and foremost you should know about the time when a woman's fertility starts to drop dramatically i.e from the age of 30 onwards. Diminishing egg numbers along with diminishing egg quality is one issue. A simple blood test, known as AMH, will tell a woman if she has a normal number of eggs for her age but tells us little about the quality of the eggs remaining. 

On the other hand, men's fertility can also reduce with age. While women are born with all the eggs they will ever have, men are continually producing new sperm. However, as men age, the quality of the genes in their sperm deteriorates.  

2. Success rate of IVF treatment: 

There are ‘N’ number of fertility clinics and infertility specialists in the world and many have achieved the highest success rates in IVF in the world. However, an individual couple's chance of success depends on a number of factors such as the cause of infertility, age and lifestyle. As a general guide, there is a 60 to 70 percent chance of conception per IVF treatment if aged under 30. This goes down to a 20 percent chance for your first IVF treatment over the age of 40. 

3. Cost factor:

Infertility is increasing at a fast paced and IVF is becoming a common option for all. So, as a result IVF has become more affordable in India than in other developed countries. It is just 1/5th of the costs outside India with success rate at par with the world. 

4. Risks involved: 

IVF has been around for more than 30 years. It is a very safe procedure, with no long-term risks to mother or child. The most serious medical complication is

Dealing with infertility

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

We are living in a society where barrenness ia a taboo. In today’s era also people look down to such women who cannot bear a child in their womb. No matter how society as a whole we are progressing there are many issues which needs to be dealt carefully and one such issue is infertility. Today, we talk about on how to deal with infertility. It is very normal thing these days as there are many lifestyle factors that affects ones fertility be it a male or a female. But without losing our self confidence we need to deal with it.  

So, here are few tips that may help you to get through it: 

1. Love your body  

No matter what God has given you beautiful body. Self-care is utmost important things that you can do Just nurture and love your body. Diet and exercise can be a great way to take control and give your body what it needs. From taking a long hot water shower bath to treating yourself to lovely food, to pampering yourself with a spa etc just do that. 

2. Give yourself time 

Take each day as if it’s today only. It is a cliché that ‘time heals’, take each day as it comes and try not to beat yourself up. Manage your work home time equally and do what the time needs at a particular given hour. 

3. Do not get over emotional 

It is completely ok if you feel a loss for sometime but hanging to such a loss for a longer period of time is not good. Today thanks to the technology we have so many options to

Air Pollution causing miscarriages among pregnant women

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Mail Today

We all are witnessing the worsen air quality these days. Every year after Diwali, India suffers air pollution problems. It is so obvious that air pollution triggers major health issues in adults as well as children. According to a recent report of WHO, Air pollution is linked to one in 10 deaths of children under 5. The greater the exposure to fine particulates emitted by fires, vehicles, and industrial smokestacks the greater the risk is for pregnant women and the baby inside her womb. Every time the pregnant woman is exposed to air pollution, it increases the risk of problems for her child.  

Air pollution contains harmful substances like car exhaust, chemicals from factories, dust, pollen and mold that can affect breathing and harm your health. Constant exposure to high air pollution increases the risk of miscarriage and early labor in pregnant women and also results in low birth weight. Actually fetal development is very sensitive to environmental factors; particularly high blood pressure which is associated with increased morbidity and

Your journey from fat to fertile

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

As we all know that fat is no fun. Being overweight or obese has its own plethora of problems. Being overweight affects everything.  Yet another growing problem in today’s time among the population is infertility caused due to Obesity. Weight problem cases are on increase everywhere, and so are infertility clinics. Almost 10% of couples in the country get affected by infertility and are hesitant to take medical advice. The obesity rates in India have been rising at an extensive rate, out of which quarter of the women’s population is defined as medically obese. 

People in cities follow a sedentary lifestyle. Little or no physical activity, easily jumping up to junk food, sitting for prolonged hours, night shifts, wrong eating patterns etc are to be blamed for being obese and there by infertile. 

Obesity also leads to low stamina, which reduces the urge of having sex. Obesity in women is known to contribute to anovulation, a reduced conception rate and at greater risk of pregnancy complications like having a C-section, giving birth to a large baby or even developing gestational diabetes and hypertension. On the other hand men who are

With IVF it’s possible

By Dr. Shweta Goswami 

Motherhood completes a woman; in fact it makes you a better person. Every married woman dreams of having own her baby but due to fast paced life and sedentary lifestyles these dreams seem to have taken a back seat and people are busy in building their careers. 

Many times we don’t know that small lifestyle issues severely affect our fertility and there by reduces the chances of conceiving naturally. Fast paced life, junk food, late working hours affect the fertility levels in both men and women thereby making you infertile. 

According to ICMR (Indian council of medical research) bulletin it is estimated that globally between 60-80 million couples suffer from infertility every year, of which probably between 15- 20 million are in India alone. 

The reason behind infertility are many few of them could be PCOS, sedentary lifestyle, eating junk food, depression, problematic womb, consumption of alcohol, smoking, stressful life, uterine problems, fallopian tube blockage, low sperm count, etc. The causes of infertility are present in both the genders. A woman cannot be blamed alone for this. 

But thanks to modern technology In Vitreo Fertilization or IVF technique, a woman can now enjoy motherhood with their own biological child even after crossing their puberty age. However, many do not know about the advanced treatment presented by the medical science 

The fertility of a woman starts declining after she crosses 27 and men fertility too starts dropping after 35. The chances of miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy or